Technical performance and principles of system design
performance
Building acoustics
Principles of building acoustics
Building acoustics is the science of controlling noise in
buildings, including the minimisation of noise transmission
from one space to another, and the control of noise levels
and characteristics within a space.
Noise can be defined as sound that is undesirable, but it can
be subjective and depends on the reactions of the individual.
When a noise is troublesome, it can reduce comfort and
efficiency. If a person is subjected to noise for long periods, it
can result in physical discomfort or mental distress. Within
homes, a noisy neighbour can be one of the main problems
experienced in attached housing. It’s estimated that up to
300,000 people in Ireland have had their lives disturbed by
noisy neighbours.
The best defence against noise is to ensure that proper
precautions are taken at the design stage and during
construction of the building. The correct acoustic climate
must be provided in each space, and noise transmission
levels should be compatible with the building’s usage.
Retrofitted remedial measures taken after occupation can be
expensive and inconvenient.
The term ‘building acoustics’ covers both sound insulation
and sound absorption.
Sound insulation
Sound insulation is the term describing the reduction of
sound that passes between two spaces separated by a
dividing element.
In transmitting between two spaces, the sound energy may
pass through the dividing element (direct transmission)
and through the surrounding structure (indirect or
flanking transmission). When designing for optimum
sound insulation, it’s important to consider both methods
of transmission. The walls or floors, which flank the
dividing element, constitute the main paths for flanking
transmission, but this can also occur at windows, doorways,
heating or ventilation ducts, for example.
The acoustic environment of the room and/or the building,
and the ability to reduce or eliminate air paths in the vicinity
of the sound reducing element, these include doorsets,
glazing, suspended ceiling cavities, ductwork, etc. will have a
significant effect on its performance. For these reasons it is
unlikely that figures quoted from laboratory test conditions
will be achieved in practice. When the background noise
is low, consideration may have to be given to a superior
standard of sound insulation performance in conjunction
with the adjoining flanking conditions.
ROI: 1800 744480 NI: 0845 3990159 tech.ie@saint-gobain.com
Technical
In any existing sound insulation problem, it is essential to
identify the weakest parts of the composite construction.
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The Building Regulation requirements regarding the
sound insulation of walls and partitions only relate to the
transmission of airborne sounds. These include speech,
musical instruments, loudspeakers and other sounds that
originate in the air. In most cases, floors must also resist the
transmission of impact sounds, such as heavy footsteps and
the movement of furniture.
Indirect paths (flanking transmission)
Flanking sound is defined as sound from a source room that
is not transmitted via the separating building element. It is
transmitted indirectly via paths such as windows, external
walls and internal corridors. Refer to figure 1.
It is imperative that flanking transmission is considered at
the design stage and construction detailing is specified so as
to eliminate or at least to minimise any downgrading of the
acoustic performance. The sound insulation values quoted
in system performance tables are laboratory values and
the practicalities of construction will mean that acoustic
performances measured in the laboratory will be difficult to
achieve on site.
One of the main reasons for this difference is the loss of
acoustic performance via flanking transmission paths. Good
detailing at the design stage will minimise this effect and
optimise the overall levels of acoustic privacy achieved.
If designing for residential units, design advice on flanking
details must be followed to maximise the possibility
of achieving the specified acoustic performance. It is
imperative that the design advice is followed, otherwise
site sound insulation values may not meet the minimum
standards required by Building Regulations and expensive
remedial treatment will be required.
Small openings such as gaps, cracks or holes will conduct
airborne sounds and can significantly reduce the sound
insulation of a construction. For optimum sound insulation a
construction must be airtight. Within masonry construction,
most gaps can be sealed at the finishing stage using Gyproc
Airtite Quiet, Gyproc plaster or Gyproc jointing compounds.
At the base of the partition, gaps will occur, particularly
when boards are lifted tight to the ceiling. Small gaps or air
paths can be sealed with Gyproc Sealant.
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 Technical performance and principles of system design
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Building acoustics (continued)

1
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External noise

Mechanical services noise

Internal noise

External noise

Mechanical
services noise

Common flanking paths

2 3

1
1

3
2 2

Deflection head A (subject to fire performance) Deflection head B (subject to fire performance)

1 Gyproc Sealant for optimum sound insulation 3 Gypframe GA4 Steel Angle to minimise loss of sound insulation
performance due to air leakage
2 50mm timber head plate equivalent to channel width forming
fire-stop

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Technical performance and principles of system design
Building acoustics (continued)
Acoustic performance of deflection head
details
Deflection heads, by definition, must be able to move and,
therefore, achieving an airtight seal is very difficult without
incorporating sophisticated components and techniques.
Air leakage at the partition heads will have a detrimental
effect on acoustic performance of any partition.
The approach shown in figure 2 could, for example, result in
a loss of around 4dB to 5dB due to air leakage, in addition to
any performance lost due to flanking transmission.
Where acoustic performance is a key consideration, steps
can be taken to minimise this loss of performance.
Figure 3 shows the generally accepted method of achieving
this and, provided that care is taken to ensure a tight fit
between the cloaking angle and lining board surface, the
loss in performance can be reduced.
Other factors, such as flanking transmission through the
structural soffit, can significantly affect the overall level of
sound insulation. Therefore, other measures may need to
be taken.
– A suspended ceiling installed on both sides of the
partition may provide a similar cloaking effect to that of
steel angles
– CasoLine mf incorporating imperforate plasterboard can
deliver a similar reduction in air leakage at the partition
head. A tight fit between the ceiling perimeter and
the surface of the partition lining board is important,
although mechanically fixed perimeters are not essential
Ceilings with recessed light fittings may be less effective and
if these cannot be sealed in some way, the installation of
cloaking angles at the partition head should be considered.
A suspended ceiling may also reduce the level of sound
flanking transmission via the soffit.
Where perforated ceilings are used, e.g. Gyptone, the
angles as shown in figure 3 are recommended. However, if
the distance between the ceiling and the deflection head
is greater than 200mm, and the ceiling plenum contains
Isover insulation (minimum 25mm), the angles may not be
required.
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performance
Technical
Partition to structural steelwork junctions
When designing the layout of rooms requiring separation
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by sound insulating walls abutting structural steelwork,
consideration should be given to the potential loss of sound
insulation performance through the steelwork.
Figures 4 to 7 are example details relating to a typical
scenario where a partition is specified against a requirement
of Rw 50dB. Although these details refer to structural steel
column abutments, similar principles apply when abutting
structural steel beams. We recommend that these details
are checked by an Acoustic Consultant, in particular the
performance via the flanking structure.
Sound by-passing a partition via the void above a
suspended ceiling
This is a common source of sound transmission, particularly
where the ceiling is absorbent to sound. Sound can easily
travel through a perforated tile, or lightweight suspended
ceiling, and over the top of a partition where it abuts the
underside of the suspended ceiling. Where sound insulation
is important, partitions should, wherever possible, continue
through the ceiling to the structural soffit, and be sealed
at the perimeter junctions. Gyproc plasterboard suspended
ceilings offer better insulation where partitions must stop
at ceiling level to provide a continuous plenum. In this
instance, a cavity barrier can be incorporated above the
ceiling line.
Figures 8 to 11 show the stages of sound insulation
improvement for typical ceiling/high performance partition
junctions. The best result is achieved by running the
partition through to the structural soffit.
C02. S01. P23
 Technical performance and principles of system design
Technical
performance

Building acoustics (continued)

4
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3
7
Rw 50dB Typically
Rw 25dB

Exposed / painted steel column

5
6

4
1

3
7
Rw 50dB Estimated
Potential Rw 50dB
flanking
sound
transmission

Encased steel column

1 Gyproc DuraLine 5 Structural steel

2 Gypframe AcouStud 6 Glasroc F firecase
3 Gypframe ‘C’ Stud 7 Gyproc Sealant
4 Isover acoustic insulation

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Technical performance and principles of system design

performance
Technical
Building acoustics (continued)

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5
4
6

Rw 50dB 6
Estimated
Reduced risk Rw 50dB 1
of flanking
sound
transmission

Encased steel column with additional plasterboard lining

7
5
6
4

Rw 50dB

Estimated 1
≥Rw 50dB
subject to width
of encasement

Encased steel column with additional framing, insulation and plasterboard lining

1 Gyproc DuraLine 5 Structural steel

2 Gypframe AcouStud 6 Glasroc F firecase
3 Gypframe ‘C’ Stud 7 Gyproc Sealant
4 Isover acoustic insulation

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 Technical performance and principles of system design
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Building acoustics (continued)

8 9
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Concealed grid – lined with a single layer of plasterboard and Concealed grid – lined with a double layer of plasterboard and
overlaid with insulation = 48dB overlaid with insulation = 49dB

10 11

Concealed grid lined with a double layer of plasterboard within Partition lining continued to the soffit enabling the full
each room and overlaid with insulation = 56dB potential of the partition to be achieved = 58dB

C02. S01. P26 gyproc.ie

Technical performance and principles of system design

performance
Technical
Building acoustics (continued)

Composite construction Table 2 – Guide to sound insulation levels for speech privacy
A common mistake made when designing a building is to Sound insulation Speech privacy

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specify a high performance element and then incorporate between rooms Rw 1

a lower performing element within it; for example, a door 25dB Normal speech can be overheard
within a partition. 30dB Loud speech can be heard clearly
35dB Loud speech can be distinguished under normal
Where the difference between insulation is relatively small conditions
(7dB or less), there needs to be a comparatively large area 40dB Loud speech can be heard but not distinguished
of the lower insulation element before the overall sound 45dB Loud speech can be heard faintly but not
insulation is significantly affected. However, where there is a distinguished
greater difference in sound insulation performance between > 50dB Loud speech can only be heard with great difficulty
the two elements, this would normally result in a greater
reduction of overall sound insulation performance. 1 Refer to page 29 for explanations of Rw.

Table 1 shows the acoustic effect various door types For healthcare and educational environments, acoustic
have within a partition system. For example; if a poor privacy issues are covered in more detail within Health
performance door is included within a partition, it does not Technical Memorandum (HTM) 05 series and TGD 021-5
matter if the wall achieves 35dB or 50dB sound insulation, from the Department of Education
as the net performance will never be greater than 27dB. The
lowest performing element will always dominate the When designing for residential buildings, the standards
overall performance. of sound insulation given in table 2 are not adequate.
Reference should be made to the requirements of Technical
Table 1 – The effect various door types have within a partition Guidance Document E (RoI) or Technical Booklet G (NI).
system
Door construction Mean sound insulation of partition Ambient noise levels
alone (dB)
Along with acoustic privacy, the acceptable level of sound
25 30 35 40 45 50 within a room should be assessed. Factors that affect the
Mean sound insulation of partition with ambient noise level of a space are:
doorways accounting for 7% of area (dB)
Poor performance door with 23 25 27 27 27 27 – The level of external noise
large gaps around the edge
– The level of sound insulation designed into the
Light door with edge sealing 24 28 30 32 32 32
surrounding structure
Heavy door with edge sealing 25 29 33 35 37 37
– The amount and type of sound absorbing surfaces within
Double doors with a sound lock 25 30 35 40 44 49
the room
Acoustic privacy – The noise generated by building services
Two main factors affect the level of acoustic privacy achieved Where control of ambient noise is critical, advice should be
when designing a building: sought from an Acoustic Consultant.

– The sound insulation performance of the structure
separating the two spaces
– The ambient background noise present within the
receiving room
The ambient background noise level can be a useful tool
when designing buildings, as it is possible to mask speech
from an adjacent space and hence provide enhanced speech
confidentiality, for example a Doctor’s consultancy room
next to a waiting room. There are a number of commercially
available systems to achieve this. It is, however, more
common to treat the problem by specifying appropriate
levels of sound insulation. A guide to sound insulation levels
is given in table 2.
For each room there might be a range of levels that are
considered acceptable. The designer should select a level
appropriate for the particular circumstances.
For this purpose there are a number of methods, including
the Noise Rating (NR) system.
The NR system quantifies the level of noise present within
a space, taking into account break-in of noise from the
adjacent areas, and also the background noise present
within the space from ventilation or other building services.
Table 3 gives the recommended maximum noise within
different activity spaces, using the NR system criteria.

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 Technical performance and principles of system design
Technical
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Building acoustics (continued)

Table 3 – Recommended maximum noise rating for various types By converting some of the sound energy into heat, sound
of room function absorbing materials will also help sound insulation because
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Situation NR 1 criteria less noise will be transmitted to other rooms. However,

(dB) this reduction in noise is very small when compared with
Sound studios 15 the potential reduction due to sound insulation. Sound
Concert halls, large theatres, opera houses 20
absorption is therefore never a substitute for adequate
sound insulation.
Large auditoria, large conference rooms, TV studios, 25
hospital wards, private bedrooms, music practice rooms
Libraries, hotel rooms, courtrooms, churches, cinemas, 30
Reverberant energy
medium-sized conference rooms Reverberation is the persistence of sound in a particular
Classrooms, small conference rooms, open-plan offices, 35 space after the original sound is removed. A reverberation, or
restaurants, public rooms, operating theatres, nightclubs
reverb, is created when a sound is produced in an enclosed
Sports halls, swimming pools, cafeteria, large shops 40 space causing a large number of echoes to build up and
circulation areas
then slowly decay as the sound is absorbed by the walls,
Workshops, commercial kitchens, factory interiors 45 ceilings, floor and air. The length of this sound decay is
1 Refer to ‘Ambient noise levels’ section on the previous page for explanations known as reverberation time and can be controlled using
of NR. sound absorbing materials. The appropriate reverberation
time for a space will be dependent on the size and function
BS 8233:2014 gives guidance on sound insulation and noise of the space. Examples of typical reverberation times are
reduction in buildings. The standard includes a matrix that given in table 5.
can be used to determine the sound insulation requirement
of separating partitions once the noise activity, noise Table 5 – Typical reverberation times
sensitivity and privacy requirements for each room and Type of room / activity Reverberation time
space are established. An example matrix, which can be (mid frequency)
adapted according to the specific building use, is given in Swimming pool <2.0 seconds
table 4. Each room may be both a source and a receiving Dance studio <1.2 seconds
room. Where adjacent rooms have different uses, the worst Large lecture theatre <1.0 seconds
case sound insulation should be specified.
Small lecture room <0.8 seconds
Primary school playroom <0.6 seconds
Table 4 – Example on-site sound insulation matrix (DnT,w dB)
Classroom for hearing impaired <0.4 seconds
Privacy Activity noise Noise sensitivity of receiving rooms
of source
room Speech clarity
Low Medium Sensitive
Speech clarity (intelligibility) is now recognised as essential
sensitivity sensitivity
in helping pupils in an educational environment to achieve
Confidential Very high 47 52 572
High 47 47 52
their full potential.
Typical 47 47 47
Low 42 42 47 Research has shown that pupils who cannot understand
Moderate Very high 47 52 572 clearly what the teacher is saying have a tendency to ‘switch
High 37 42 47 off’ – limiting their own educational opportunities and
Typical 37 37 42 creating additional stress for teachers. In a typical classroom
Low No rating No rating 37
with the teacher at one end, sound reaches the pupils both
Not private Very high 47 52 572
directly from the teacher and via reflections from the ceiling,
High 37 42 47
Typical No rating 37 42
walls and floor. Refer to figure 12.
Low No rating No rating 37
Pupils at the front will generally be able to understand what
2D the teacher is saying, whilst pupils at the back and sides
nT,w 55dB or greater is difficult to obtain on-site and room adjacencies
requiring these levels should be avoided wherever practical. Refer to page 29 of the room receive a mixture of both direct speech and
for explanations of DnT,w. reflected sound, making it difficult to identify the teacher’s
words.
Sound absorption
Reverberation time alone cannot be relied upon to deliver
a suitable environment for good speech intelligibility. In
Sound absorption is the term given to the loss of sound
any situation where speech communication is critical,
energy on interaction with a surface. Sound absorbent
e.g. conference room, lecture theatre or classroom, it is
surfaces are used to provide the correct acoustic
necessary to design the space appropriately using a mixture
environment within a room or space. The choice of material
of sound reflective and sound absorbing surfaces.
will be influenced by its acoustic efficiency, appearance,
durability and fire protection.

C02. S01. P28 gyproc.ie

Technical performance and principles of system design

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Technical
Building acoustics (continued)

12

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Sound transmission in a typical classroom

Rating methods
Sound insulation rating methods
The sound insulation rating methods that follow are defined
in: BS EN ISO 717: Part 1: 2013 (airborne) and
BS EN ISO 717: Part 2: 2013 (impact).
this book present relevant sound insulation values both
in Rw terms but also in the Ctr adapted form. This rating is
expressed as Rw + Ctr and allows the Acoustic Consultant to
critically compare performances. The rating method mainly
considers low frequency performance, and has not been
universally welcomed due to the difficulties in measuring
low frequency performance.

Rw
Consequently, within separating constructions,
This single figure rating method is used for laboratory
Gyproc can offer enhanced specifications that meet the low
airborne sound insulation tests. The figure indicates the
frequency performance of the Ctr rating whilst also offering
amount of sound energy being stopped by a separating
good mid and high frequency sound insulation.
building element when tested in isolation in the absence of
any flanking paths.
Ln,w
This single figure rating method is used for laboratory
DnT,w
impact sound insulation tests on separating floors.
This single figure rating method gives the airborne sound
The figure indicates the amount of sound energy being
insulation performance between two adjacent rooms
transmitted through the floor tested in isolation, in
within a building as measured on site. The result achieved is
the absence of any flanking paths. With impact sound
affected not only by the separating element, but also by the
insulation, the lower the figure the better the performance.
surrounding structure and junction details.
L’nT,w
Ctr
This single figure rating method gives the impact sound
The Ctr adaptation term is a correction that can be added to
insulation performance for floors. The figure indicates the
either the Rw (laboratory) or DnT,w (site) airborne rating.
sound insulation performance between two adjacent rooms
within a building as measured on site. The result achieved
The term has been adopted within Building Regulations
is affected not only by the separating floor but also by the
Technical Booklet G (NI). The Ctr term is used because
surrounding structure, e.g. flanking walls and associated
it targets the low frequency performance of a building
junction details.
element and in particular the performance achieved in the
100 – 315 Hz frequency range. This term was originally
developed to describe how a building element would
perform if subject to excessive low frequency sound sources,
such as traffic and railway noise. Performance tables in

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 Technical performance and principles of system design
Technical
performance
Building acoustics (continued)
Dn,c,w (as defined in BS EN ISO 717-1:1997)
This single figure laboratory rating method is used for
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evaluating the airborne sound insulation performance
of suspended ceilings. Laboratory tests simulate the
room-to-room performance of the suspended ceiling when
a partition is built up to the underside of the ceiling with
sound transmitted via the plenum.
Sound absorption rating methods
The following ratings are calculated in accordance with
BS EN ISO 11654: 1997.
Sound absorption coefficient, αs
Individual sound absorption figures quoted in
one-third octave frequency bands are used within advanced
modelling techniques to accurately predict the acoustic
characteristics of a space. The coefficient ranges from 0
(total reflection) through to 1 (total absorption).
Practical sound absorption coefficient, αP
A convenient octave-based expression of the sound
absorption coefficient; commonly used by Acoustic
Consultants when performing calculations of reverberation
times within a building space.
Sound absorption rating, αw
A single figure rating used to describe the performance of a
material. The single figure rating can have a modifier added
to indicate if the spectral shape is dominated by a particular
frequency range
– L – absorption is predominantly in the low frequency
region
– M – absorption is predominantly in the mid frequency
region
– H – absorption is predominantly in the high frequency
region
The absence of a letter following the rating indicates that
the absorber has no distinct area of sound absorption and
has an essentially flat spectral shape.
Noise Reduction Coefficient, NRC
Whilst the sound absorption performance of a ceiling
system can be expressed as an NRC, this does not always
accurately reflect the product performance. An NRC value
is the arithmetic mean of the absorption coefficients across
a limited frequency range; this means that it will hide
extremes in performance. For instance, a ceiling tile may be
a very efficient absorber at high frequencies but very poor
at low frequencies, and the NRC value will not reflect this.
To optimise the room acoustics the more accurate sound
absorption rating, αw, should be used.
C02. S01. P30
Principles of lightweight construction
Typically the average sound insulation of a material forming
a solid partition is governed by its mass; the heavier the
material, the greater its resistance to sound transmission.
To increase the sound insulation of a solid partition by
approximately 4dB, the mass must be doubled. This is
known as the empirical mass law.
For example; a 100mm solid block wall of average mass
100kg/m² will have an approximate Rw value of 40dB,
whereas a 200mm solid wall of the same material would
have an Rw value of 44dB.
Increasing mass is a very inefficient way of achieving
sound insulation and one of the advantages of using
lightweight cavity partitions and walls is that better than
predicted sound reduction values can be achieved. This
is why this construction is commonly used in auditoria,
e.g. GypWall audio. Lightweight systems versus the mass
law shows how lightweight systems consistently exceed
mass law predictions. This demonstrates that adding mass
is not always the best method to satisfy acoustic design
requirements and that, lightweight systems, if correctly
designed, can provide very effective acoustic solutions.
Refer to figure 13.
13
70 l 300mm GypWall audio
l 148mm GypWall quiet sf
60
l 200mm GypWall
l 100mm GypWall
50
Sound reduction index
40
75mm GypWall l
30
20
10
0
0 1 5 10 50 100 500 1000
Mass of partition (kg/m2)
Empirical mass law
Lightweight systems versus the mass law
Acoustic performance is commonly expressed as a decibel
(dB) value. The logarithmic scale of decibels provides a
simple way to cover a large range of values and show them
as a convenient number. Unfortunately the decibel scale can
create confusion especially when comparing
alternative systems as the difference in acoustic
performance can appear to be quite small. In reality an
increase of 6dB is equivalent to a doubling of the acoustic
performance of the system.
gyproc.ie
Technical performance and principles of system design

performance
Technical
Building acoustics (continued)

A simple stud partition, for example, can have an Rw rating sides. This will increase the sound insulation performance by
of 6dB better than predicted by the mass law. In this case, approximately 6dB or 10dB respectively.

the maximum sound insulation obtainable will be governed
by the transmission of energy through the stud frame. The
use of other frame types, or configurations, can result in
even better insulation. If Gyproc plasterboard or Gyproc
specialist boards are fixed to a timber stud frame using a
flexible mounting system, such as Gypframe RB1 Resilient
Bar, or a more flexible frame is used, for example, Gypframe
studs and channels, sound transmission through the
framing is minimised and performance significantly better
than the mass law prediction can be achieved.
The use of two completely separate stud frames can produce
even better results. In this case, the maximum energy
transmission is through the cavity between the plasterboard
linings. The air in the cavity can be considered as a spring
connecting the linings, which allows the passage of energy.
The spring will have some inherent damping, which can be
significantly increased by the introduction of
a sound absorbing material, such as mineral wool,
positioned in the cavity. The increased damping of the
air-spring results in a reduced coupling between the
plasterboard linings and a consequent decrease in sound
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Acoustic benefits of applying Gyproc Finish Plasters to
certain GypWall partition systems
Applying 2mm Gyproc Finish Plasters to both sides of
certain GypWall partitions has a positive effect on the
sound insulation performance. This is effective on partitions
that are limited by their high frequency performance
(coincidence region).
The application of Gyproc Finish Plasters also adds mass
to the partition which has a positive effect on the mid-
frequency of the spectrum.
Figure 14 shows an example of a partition that will be
positively affected by skim finish using Gyproc Finish
Plasters.
14
65
50
60

transmission. Air-spring coupling becomes less significant as 55

Sound reduction index

the cavity width increases. In practice, cavities should be as 50

50

wide as possible to insulate against low frequency sounds. 45

4040
Two important effects; resonance and coincidence, occur 35

in partitions and walls. These are governed by physical 30

30

properties such as density, thickness and bending stiffness, 25

and can result in a reduction in sound insulation at certain 20

20

frequencies. 15

10

In lightweight cavity constructions, resonance and 50 5,000

Frequency, Hz

coincidence effects can be decreased by the use of two or Skimmed partition

Unskimmed partition
more board layers. A simple way of increasing the sound
insulation performance of a single layer metal stud partition Acoustic benefits of applying Gyproc Finish Plasters to certain
is to add an additional layer of plasterboard to one, or both, GypWall partitions

Table 6 – TGD E: Sound Insulation Requirements (RoI) Table 6a – TB G: Sound Insulation Requirements (NI)
Separating Airborne sound Impact sound Separating Airborne sound Impact sound
construction insulation DnT,wdB insulation L’nT,wdB construction insulation insulation L’nT,wdB
Walls 53 (min) - DnT,w+CwdB

Floors (including 53 (min) 58 (max) New dwellings

stairs with separating Walls 43/45 -
function) (dwellings only)
Flors and stairs 45 62
Dwellings formed by material change of use
Walls 43 -
Floors and stairs 43 64

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 Technical performance and principles of system design
Technical
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Building acoustics (continued)
Refer to system sections within ‘Partitions’ where systems
positively affected by the application of Gyproc Finish
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Plasters are shown. Systems with additional performance
will show two acoustic figures in the tables – Sound
insulation performance for partitions finished using jointing
or plaster skim and sound insulation performance for
partitions with a 2mm skim finish of Gyproc Finish Plasters.
Legislation and guidance
Building Regulations – Residential Buildings
Building Regulations Technical Guidance Document E (RoI)
or Technical Booklet G (NI) gives guidance on how to provide
reasonable standards of sound insulation in dwellings
and other residential buildings. They cover both new-build
and refurbishment or conversion, and include minimum
standards of performance.
Complying with the regulations
In Ireland, housebuilders and residential developers can
demonstrate compliance of separating walls and floors for
new-build houses and apartments using manufacturers’
proprietary systems or Building Regulations Example /
Guidance and verifying by Pre-Completion Testing
Robust Details (Northern Ireland)
To avoid Pre-Completion Testing for new-build houses
and flats the Home Builders Federation (HBF) developed
a series of Robust Details. These forms of construction
have been designed and site tested to ensure that they
deliver a standard of sound insulation on site to meet the
minimum requirements of TB G. The Building Regulations
have been amended to allow Robust Details to be used as an
alternative to Pre-Completion Testing.
If you are following the Robust Detail route, you must
register each plot, with the details you intend to use, and
pay a fee. You will then be given a registration certificate to
hand to your building control authority before work starts.
Robust Details Ltd administers the scheme.
If you are building to the Irish Green Building Council’s
Home Quality Rating Tool, Robust Details may entitle you to
additional credits under the Health and Wellbeing category
– check the Robust Details Handbook for the most up-to-
date details.
C02. S01. P32
Sound Absorption
Section 5.2.2 of TGD E (2014) and Section 7 of TB G (2012)
cover reverberation noise in the common internal parts of
buildings containing flats or rooms for residential purposes.
The regulations state that “the common internal parts
of buildings which contain flats or rooms for residential
purposes shall be designed and constructed in such a way
as to prevent more reverberation around the common parts
than is reasonable”.
The regulations give two methods of calculating the amount
of absorption required in any communal areas. The two
methods are referred to as ‘Method A’ and ‘Method B’.
AD E specifies sound absorption in terms of a class of
absorber. There are five classes (A through to E) with
Class A signifying the products with the highest level of
sound absorption. However, to comply with method A, only
class C or D is required. The values ascribed to the different
classes are given in table 7.
Table 7 – Absorption class
Sound absorption class αw
A 0.90, 0.95, 1.00
B 0.80, 0.85
C 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75
D 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55
E 0.15, 0.20, 0.25
Unclassified 0.00, 0.05, 0.10
For more information, refer to Building Regulations;
Section 5.2.2 of TGD E (2014) and Section 7 of TB G (2012):
Reverberation in the common internal parts of buildings
containing flats or rooms for residential purposes.
Example constructions
These are constructions developed to repeatedly achieve
required design performance levels, if built correctly
with correctly designed flanking details. Use of these
constructions does not guarantee regulatory performance
levels will be achieved, and the onus is therefore on
the housebuilder to demonstrate compliance by Post-
Completion Testing on site.
Other constructions
These include manufacturers’ proprietary solutions and new,
or innovative, constructions not considered to be ‘Example
Constructions’. Again, the onus is on the housebuilder to
demonstrate compliance by Post-Completion Testing.
Post-Completion Testing
Post-Completion Testing is carried out when the building is
complete, with doors, access hatches and windows fitted.
If a test fails due to the construction of the separating
floor or associated flanking elements, other untested
gyproc.ie
Technical performance and principles of system design
Building acoustics (continued)
rooms may be affected. This will result in additional testing
requirements. It may be prudent to seek specialist advice to
identify and remedy any problems.
Acoustic design of schools
Each room or other space in a school building shall be
designed and constructed in such a way that it has the
acoustic conditions and the insulation against disturbance
by noise appropriate to its intended use.
To satisfy this requirement, it is recommended that
buildings comply with the guidance TGD 021-5 Acoustic
Performance of Schools from the Department of Education
in RoI and Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) Acoustic design of
schools, a design guide for Northern Ireland.
BB93 was written by the Department for Children, Schools
and Families (DCSF), formerly the Department for Education
and Skills (DfES), and provides a regulatory framework for
the acoustic design of schools; including sound insulation
between spaces, ambient noise levels and optimum
reverberation times for various spaces within educational
buildings.
For more information refer to our Education Sector Guide,
available from the Gyproc Technical Department.
Health and Technical Memorandum
HTM 08-01 Acoustics – Healthcare Buildings
Good acoustic design is fundamental to the quality of
healthcare buildings. The control of unwanted noise
improves patient privacy, dignity and sleep patterns; all key
conditions for healing. Good acoustic design also increases
the morale and comfort of healthcare professionals.
HTM 08-01 covers the acoustic design criteria that are
important for healthcare premises and contains a method of
determining the level of sound insulation required between
adjacent spaces in a healthcare environment. The document
also gives recommended reverberation times for various
types of space.
Hotels and Hospitality: Acoustic Standards
The Fáilte Ireland Guest House Classification Scheme
requires that bedrooms, the toilets and bathrooms serving
them, and the corridors off which they shall open shall be
separated from each other by walls or partitions, floors and
ceilings and having an acoustic attenuation of 50 dB.
BS 8233 advises a figure of 43 dB DnT,w + Ctr , (i.e. a site
tested result factoring in additional low frequencies) but
also 60 dB DnT,w between Bedrooms and other common
areas, excluding corridors.
ROI: 1800 744480 NI: 0845 3990159 tech.ie@saint-gobain.com
performance
Technical
BS 8233 – Sound insulation and noise
reduction for buildings
C02
BS 8233 provides guidance on acoustic ratings appropriate
to a variety of different building types. It is applicable
to the design of new buildings, or refurbished buildings
undergoing a change of use. It deals with control of noise
from outside the building, noise from plant and services
within it, and room acoustics for non-critical situations.
A full revision of the standard, launched in 2014, includes
changes which reflect:
– Legislative framework revision since publication of the
1999 edition
– Revisions to Building Regulations
– The publication of specialist documents for specific
sectors, such as healthcare and education
– A reappraisal of the tabular content with respect to
setting targets for various classes of living space in the
light of research findings
– The need to transfer some of the more detailed
information from the main text to annexes
– Requirements for offices
Designing for on-site performance in
Northern Ireland
Achieving a DnT,w + Ctr performance on site
The Ctr rating method puts increased emphasis on the
low frequency region of the spectrum. For lightweight
construction this means a significant change in some of
the design principles. For partitions, the cavity should be as
large as possible and double layers of plasterboard should
be used.
For masonry walls lined with lightweight panels, cavities
with a depth of less than 60mm should be avoided. Two
linings, with small, identical sized cavities either side of a
solid masonry wall, should not be specified. These cavities
can interact and cause a significant downgrade in the
critical low frequency zone. If a small cavity is required, one
side only should be lined with a double layer of plasterboard.
Optimum performance is achieved by lining one side only
and having a cavity depth of at least 85mm.
Refer to C02. S01. P41 for more information on service voids.
C02. S01. P33
 Technical performance and principles of system design
Technical
performance

Building acoustics (continued)

15 For dwelling houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes

O Avoid  OK  Best formed by material change of use requiring DnT,w + Ctr 43dB
C02

for separating walls, separating floors and stairs, we

recommend the use of specifications that are capable of
achieving Rw + Ctr 52dB.

Achieving a DnT,w performance on site

Similar to the principles of achieving a DnT,w + Ctr
performance on site, a realistic safety margin should be
Matched cavities less If space restrictions Single cavity as
than 60mm limit the cavity large as possible incorporated when designing to meet a DnT,w requirement,
to be avoided. size then install one (preferably greater to reduce the risk of failure. We recommend a safety
side only. Ensure than 85mm), lined
glass mineral wool with a double layer of margin of + 7dB when comparing site performance, DnT,w to
is used in the cavity acoustic plasterboard laboratory performance, Rw.
and use a double and glass mineral wool
layer of plasterboard. included in
the cavity. For example, to comply with Scottish Technical Handbook
Optimum design of panel linings for Ctr Section 5 in Scotland for a requirement of DnT,w 56dB, a
system capable of achieving Rw 63dB under laboratory
conditions should be specified.
To increase the sound insulation of new or existing masonry
walls, GypLyner wall lining systems can be used in Achieving a L’nT,w performance on site
conjunction with Isover acoustic insulation and Gyproc A minimum reduction of 5dB is typical when comparing site
plasterboard. The cavity depth of the GypLyner lining should performance, L’nT,w, to laboratory performance, Ln,w. However,
be as large as possible, and small, identical sized cavities to when designing separating floors to reduce the risk of
either side of the wall should be avoided. impact sound flanking transmission, in particular timber
joist, the walking surface should be de-coupled
For lightweight separating floors, partially de-coupling from the joists, for example using GypFloor silent or a
the plasterboard ceiling from the floor structure, using batten floating floor system. This is in addition to the
Gypframe RB1 Resilient Bars, helps to achieve the required de-coupling of the ceiling, using CasoLine mf ceiling or
performance. Floating floor treatments, for example timber Gypframe RB1 Resilient Bar, for example.
battens, should have a cavity depth of at least 70mm to
avoid low frequency resonance effects in the critical low Therefore, in some cases the safety margin in the laboratory
frequency zone. Performance can be further enhanced by for timber joist separating floors is likely to be in the region
specifying Gyproc Plank within the walking surface. of + 10dB, rather than the typical minimum + 5dB for
concrete floors.
Floating floor and resilient bar ceiling systems should be
tested in a UKAS laboratory to ensure good low The key points for consideration when designing to meet
frequency performance. any acoustic performance requirement are below:

A method of determining the achievable site DnT,w + Ctr
performance is to refer to a laboratory Rw + Ctr rating.
Depending on the wall specification, a minimum drop
of 4dB is typical when comparing Rw + Ctr and DnT,w + Ctr.
However, we recommend that a safety margin of + 9dB
should be used to reduce the risk of failure to comply with
Building Regulations. This assumes all flanking paths are
appropriately detailed, ideal site lay-out exists and a high
quality of workmanship is applied.
For purpose-built dwelling houses and flats requiring
DnT,w + Ctr 45dB for separating walls, separating floors and
stairs, we recommend specifications capable of achieving
Rw + Ctr 54dB.
For purpose-built rooms for residential purposes requiring
DnT,w + Ctr 43dB for separating walls, and DnT,w + Ctr 45dB for
separating floors and stairs, we recommend specifications
capable of achieving Rw + Ctr 52dB for separating walls, and
Rw + Ctr 54dB for separating floors and stairs.
– Inappropriate detailing of flanking conditions can greatly
reduce the level of performance of the system from that
achieved in the laboratory. Refer to figures 4-7 for more
information
– For separating wall and floor constructions to be fully
effective, care must be taken to correctly detail the
junctions between the separating wall or floor and
associated elements such as external walls, other
separating elements and penetrations or door openings,
etc.
– If junctions are incorrectly detailed then the acoustic
performance will be limited and Building Regulations
requirements will not be achieved in practice
– Pre-Completion Testing exposes poor flanking details
and inadequate separating wall and floor specifications.
Good flanking detailing and specifications that provide
a reasonable margin of safety on site are therefore
essential.

C02. S01. P34 gyproc.ie

Technical performance and principles of system design

performance
Technical
Building acoustics (continued)

Examples of practical solutions Gypframe RB1 Resilient Bar (ceilings)

Gypframe RB1 Resilient Bar is an engineered metal

C02
Gypframe AcouStuds component used predominantly with lightweight separating
floors to de-couple the ceiling from the floor structure and
Gypframe AcouStuds are metal stud sections optimised to
thereby improve the airborne sound insulation performance
give enhanced sound insulation performance. These unique
of the separating floor.
shaped studs are used for increased acoustic performance.
Gypframe AcouStuds can be used to upgrade the acoustic
The value of this component is recognised in Robust Details,
performance of 70mm, 92mm and 146mm wall systems.
where all lightweight floor solutions feature resilient bars to
partially de-couple the ceiling from the floor structure.
Figure 16 shows the performance improvement possible
using acoustic stud technology compared with a standard ‘C’
Figure 20 shows the substantial performance improvements
stud of the same cavity dimension.
achievable for airborne sound insulation when Gypframe
RB1 Resilient Bar is utilised instead of a directly fixed ceiling.
GypWall staggered
GypWall staggered features staggered studs that are located Floating floor treatment
within a head and base channel by means of retaining
Floating floor treatments are used with both lightweight
clips. This arrangement means there is limited connection
and concrete separating floors to de-couple the walking
through the framework to the plasterboard face on the
surface from the floor structure and thereby improve both
opposite side of the partition. The system design enables a
the airborne and impact sound insulation performance of a
higher level of sound insulation to be achieved with modest
separating floor.
cavity sizes.

The value of this technique is recognised in Robust Details,

Figure 17 shows the improvements possible using a
and is currently featured in a number of separating
staggered stud arrangement compared to a standard
floor solutions.
GypWall ‘C’ stud partition with the same partition cavity
size.
Sound insulating dry linings
GypWall quiet sf In designing for sound insulation, care should be taken
to ensure that flanking transmission via the associated
GypWall quiet sf utilises Gypframe RB1 Resilient Bars to
structure does not downgrade the performance of the
partially de-couple the plasterboard linings from the
partition or wall to a level below that required in use. This
partition stud frame, leading to enhanced levels of sound
applies especially when a lightweight partition or wall is
insulation.
constructed in a masonry building. Care should therefore be
taken to ensure the associated structure is able to achieve
Figure 18 shows the improvements possible when including
the level of sound insulation required.
Gypframe RB1 Resilient Bar on one or both sides of a
standard Gypframe 70mm ‘C’ Stud partition.
The performance of sound resisting floors of timber joist or
lightweight concrete construction, supported on or flanked
GypWall audio and GypWall quiet iwl
by conventionally finished masonry walls, can be adversely
The most acoustically effective wall designs are twin frame affected by flanking transmission in the walls. This effect
walls. Minimal or no bridging between the plasterboard can be significantly reduced by the application of
linings and the increased cavity size allows optimum a GypLyner wall lining system, to the flanking walls.
performance from the wall.
Lining treatments can also be beneficial in refurbishment
Figure 19 shows the difference achievable by using a work when applied to flanking walls of new or existing
twin framed wall approach as opposed to a standard sound resisting walls.
GypWall ‘C’ stud partition. The plasterboard linings and
Refer to C07. S01. P455 – Linings introduction.
insulation are the same for both partitions and the key
difference is the overall partition thickness – typically
211mm for the standard partition and 300mm for the
twin framed option. With this type of design, further
improvements in performance can be achieved by increasing
the cavity size and/or increasing the board specification.

ROI: 1800 744480 NI: 0845 3990159 tech.ie@saint-gobain.com C02. S01. P35
 Technical performance and principles of system design
Technical
performance

Building acoustics (continued)

16 17 75
70
C02

70
65

65
60

60
55

Sound reduction index

Sound reduction index

55
50

50
45

45
40

40
35

35
30
30
25
25
20
100 3150
100 3150 Frequency, Hz
Frequency, Hz
GypWall GypWall staggered
Gypframe ‘C’ Stud Gypframe AcouStud

Acoustic benefits of Gypframe AcouStuds Acoustic benefits of staggered studs

18 19 85
75

80
70

75
65

70
Sound reduction index

60
Sound reduction index

65
55
60

50
55

45
50

40 45

35 40

30 35
100 3150 100 3150
Frequency, Hz
Frequency, Hz

Gypframe ‘C’ Studs, no bar Gypframe RB1 Resilient Bar both sides 211mm GypWall 300mm GypWall audio

Gypframe RB1 Resilient Bar one side

Acoustic benefits of resilient bars (partition) Acoustic benefits of twin stud framework

20
65

60

55

50
Sound reduction index

45

40

35

30

25

20

15
100 3150
Frequency, Hz

Direct fix ceiling

Gypframe RB1 Resilient Bar ceiling

Airborne sound insulation benefit of resilient bars (ceiling)

C02. S01. P36 gyproc.ie